Teresa A. Perlak

Teresa A. (Bardzik) Perlak, 85, passed away peacefully at Life Care Center of Wilbraham on Monday, January 19, 2026, with loving family at her side. Born October 14, 1940, daughter of the late Peter W. and Sophie C. (Chwalek) Bardzik, she was a lifelong Chicopee resident and a communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Church. A graduate of Chicopee High School, Class of 1958, Teresa continued her education at Bay Path College, earning an Associates’ Degree in secretarial studies in 1960. She later earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from American International College (AIC). Teresa began her work years at Wall St. Journal in Chicopee, before joining the family business of Tarnow Nursery in Chicopee, where she greatly enjoyed working with her brother. Teresa’s love for her entire family was most important in her life. Teresa was predeceased in 2024 by her beloved husband of sixty years, Robert J. Perlak. She is survived by her three loving children, Mary P. Pajak and husband Stephen of Wilbraham, Joseph R. Perlak of VA, and Anthony J. Perlak and wife Andrea of NM; eight cherished grandchildren, Stephanie Firely and husband Christopher and their children Logan and Hannah, Matthew Pajak and wife Ana Mari, Samantha Pajak, Michael Perlak, Claire Perlak, James Perlak, Anna Perlak and Nathaniel Perlak; caring brother, John Bardzik and wife Kay of Pelham; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Peter J. Bardzik, grandson, John Joseph Perlak, and daughter-in-law, Catherine Grivas Perlak. The family extends a sincere thanks to the compassionate staff at Life Care Center of Wilbraham, and to the family and friends who supported Teresa during her hospice care, especially niece, Cathy Elko and cousin, Linda Ann Perlak. Funeral services for Teresa will be held Saturday, January 31st, from Kozikowski Funeral Home, 565 Front St., Chicopee, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11AM in St. Anthony of Padua Church, 56 St. Anthony St., Chicopee. Committal service and burial will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery. A calling hour will be held Saturday morning from 9:30-10:30AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Teresa’s name may be made to St. Anthony of Padua Church.

Teresa A. Perlak

October 14, 1940 - January 19, 2026

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Teresa A. Perlak

October 14, 1940 - January 19, 2026

What We Do

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Grief & Healing

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Plan Ahead

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